The legislation which makes it compulsory to carry pictorial warnings covering 80 per cent of cigarette packs was unanimously passed in Parliament Friday.

According to the Bill, any person who contravenes the provisions is liable to either a one year imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 50,000 or both.

The manufacturers and importers of existing stocks of tobacco products will be granted a grace period up to June 1, 2015 to comply with the provisions of the amended Clause 34 A of the Act.

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne had moved this amendment Bill to increase the pictorial warning from the previous 60 percent to 80 percent which had been challenged in the court by thew tobacco manufacturing company.